A Guide for Beginners in Drinking for Different Occasions

First time drinking? Presented with a whole menu on the drinks? Don’t know which wine or cocktail to get? This guide is perfect for you!

1. Parties

Parties are a time to relax, so your choice of drink matters more than usual. You wouldn't want to be drunk too early unless you are there to get drunk!

Gin and Tonic: Refreshing!

Gin and tonic is a highball cocktail made with gin and tonic water poured over a large amount of ice. The ice cools the gin, dulling the effect of the alcohol in the mouth and making the drink more pleasant and refreshing to taste. Traditionally garnished with a slice or wedge of lime, it remains as a debate of whether lemon can be used as a garnish.

Vodka and Soda: Typical but Healthy!

Light and simple combination. Safe to drink. Perfect for anyone who wants a little kick without the added sugar or intense flavours. A healthier choice for the health-conscious!

2. Business Meetings

In business meetings, you might want to stay awake to avoid getting a poor deal if you had too many drinks.

Gin Martini: Every Gin Lover’s Choice

A cocktail made with gin and vermouth, and garnished with an olive or a lemon twist. This Gin Martini has become one of the best-known mixed alcoholic beverages over the years. There are different variations in Gin Martini such as wet martini, 50-50 martini, upside-down or reverse martini, dirty martini, perfect martini and many more.

Moscow Mule: Sophisticated and Approachable

Vodka + ginger beer + lime. The Moscow Mule has been around since the 1940s. Striking a balance between being sophisticated and approachable, Moscow Mule definitely shows the balance. If the word ‘ginger’ throws you off, request for your bartender to substitute it with Mountain Dew. Or you could simply add in other ingredients such as carrot juice to give it a sweet touch.

3. Networking Events

In networking events, your choice of drinks can say a lot about you. After all, first impressions matter so you wouldn't want to mess up a potential business relation.

Red Wine: The Atas!

Red wine drinkers are usually well educated and successful in their career and marriage, basically a well rounded. They refer themselves as confident, relaxed, strong and intelligent.

Beer: Down to Earth

Beer drinkers are usually very grounded and friendly in person. However, different brands can also portray very different personalities: Busy and energetic people who are extremely extroverted; Energetic and dynamic and enjoy being the middle of the action, but they also like being the centre of attention. So, choose the brand wisely!

Cocktail: The Gen Z

Millennials’ favourite drinks. They prefer to get the most out of their drink and are usually creative, intelligent, ambitious and inspirational. Shows the personality of bright young sparks!

Champagne: The Celebration

Champagne lovers are flamboyant types who like to celebrate and can turn any occasion into a special one. They’re likely to be well-dressed and pay attention to details. Their motivated and dynamic personality also means that they are always envisioning their success in life.

4. Company Dinners

First time attending the company dinner, have no clue on what to get?

New York Sour aka Whisky Sour: Simple

A drier, more sophisticated cousin of Sangria. Created in 1870, New York Sour is gaining popularity. Based on a traditional sour cocktail, and combining the elements of whisky, lemon, sugar, with the graceful addition of a red wine float dancing across the surface of the drink.

Negroni: Refreshingly Bitter

With a 100-year history, the Italian cocktail Negroni has been tweaked into several variations. The classic version is made of one part gin, one part vermouth rosso (red, semi-sweet), and one part Campari, garnished with orange peel. Considered as an apéritif, Negroni helps to stimulate the appetite so that you can savour the delicious dishes.

The recommendations are for newbies in drinking who have no idea on what to order at all. With this said, the best way is still to consult the bartender (if he/she is there) for the drink that suits you the most! However, if you are uncomfortable with alcoholic drinks, feel free to order mocktails!